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Colon
lavage was first recorded 1500 B.C., in the ancient Egyptian document,
Ebers, Papyrus which dealt with the practice of medicine. These enemas
were described as the infusion of aqueous substances into the large
intestine through the anus.
Hippocrates (4th & 5th century B.C.) recorded using enemas for fever
therapy. Galen (2nd Century AD), also recognized and was a proponent of
the use of enemas. Pare in 1600 AD, offered the first distinction
between colon irrigation and the popular enema therapy of that age.
Colon
irrigation, since the turn of the century, has experienced periods of
reaction. The factors that contributed mainly to the ambivalence
primarily were due to the practice of colon irrigation by the untrained
and unskilled, which was very detrimental to its professional growth.
When colon irrigation gained the attention of such physicians as James
A. Wiltsie, MD and Joseph E.G. Waddington, MD, great value was placed on
the therapeutic benefits of this modality. The philosophy attributed to
colon irrigation by certain physicians of this era was depicted by Dr.
Waddington:" Abnormal functioning of the intestinal canal is the
precursor of much ill health, especially of chronic disease condition.
Restoration of the physiolic intestinal elimination is often the first,
but too often ignored, important preliminary to eventual restoration of
the health in general." Dr. Wiltsie contends that "our knowledge of the
normal and abnormal physiology of the colon, and of its pathology and
management, has not kept pace with that of many organs and systems of
the body. As long as we continue to assume that the colon will take care
of itself, just that long will we remain in complete ignorance of
perhaps the most important source of ill health in the whole body."
In
summary, through misconceptions, misunderstandings and preconceived
emotionalism, controversy has prevailed, but accomplished nothing.
Historically, we recognize two unequivocal conclusions- First there is
something of value to this modality or it would have been conclusively
withdrawn; Second, that through lack of professional control and study,
colon irrigation never received the attention and recognition it truly
deserves
Today,
with modern technological advancements in colon irrigation
instrumentation, particularly with regard to safety, along with educated
and skilled hygienists, colon irrigation has become a valuable
adjunctive modality to the physician in treating disease. At the time of
this writing, colon irrigation is still relatively unknown and
misunderstood. Combined with sound nutrition, exercise, and a positive
mental and spiritual outlook, colon hydrotherapy can play an important
role in achieving and maintaining vibrant health
Theory Of Colon Irrigation
Colon
irrigation is an extended and more complete form of an enema. The
concept involves the mechanical process of infusing warm filtered water
into the rectum with the objective of cleansing or evacuating the colon.
This procedure removes fecal material from the colon walls and dilutes
the bacterial toxic concentration in the large intestine. The procedure
has provided assistance with constipation, diarrhea, acute fecal
impaction, colitis, diverticulosis, parasitic infections, atonic colon,
bowel stimulation and bowel training in para/quadriplegics, flatulence
or bloating, mild hemorrhoids, intestinal toxemia, and nutrient
supplementation. The cleansing effects of colon irrigation reduce
stagnation and subsequent bacterial production in the colon and maintain
harmony of intestinal flora for optimum health.
Colon
irrigation is not a cure all, but is a complementary approach in health
care. The colon hygienist may gently manipulate the abdomen during the
procedure to enhance the removal of waste material.The standard enema
and colon irrigation utilizes the infusion of aqueous substances into
the rectum. A standard enema involves the injection of water (one way)
into the colon, which is retained and evacuated by the client. Colon
irrigation is an instrument controlled continual bathing of the colon
for cleansing and therapeutic purposes. There is no offensive odor or
health risk to those in contact with a sick client, as with enemas and
bedpans, and the dignity of the client is maintained. The enema's
cleansing ability is limited to the area of the rectosigmoid and shorter
periods of time because of the body's natural wish to expel material
from the rectum. Colon irrigation extends beyond the natural expulsion
area to offer greater cleansing and therapeutic benefits. In most cases,
colon irrigation will remove impaction, parasites, intestinal flatus,
and cellular debris, but is thought to cleanse and rejuvenate the
portion of the immune system that resides in the intestinal tract
(recent European studies indicate a greater portion located in the
intestines than previously recognized). In summary, colon irrigation
provides tubular and cellular drainage outwardly from the rectum and
inwardly via the portal and mesenteric lymphatic system.
Colon
hydrotherapy, colonic irrigation, and colonics are all names used to
frequently describe the service of Lower Bowel Evacuation. Colonic
irrigation is a system used to instill water into the lower bowel where
the pressure, temperature, and the flow of the liquid can be controlled
to evacuate or cleanse the lower bowel. There is no odor.
It is
important to understand our body’s digestive system. However, in the
process of understanding that system we will get to the bottom line, and
that is “unfriendly bacteria” create a coating on the impacted fecal
matter on the wall of the lower bowel which does not allow for proper
absorption of nutrients and liquids. The colon is an organ/muscle. It
measures approximately 3” in diameter and is between 5 ½’ to 6’ long.
The colon moves matter along through the action of peristalsis or a
“caterpillar type” action. The colon is basically responsible for two
activities: 1) elimination of waste, and 2) absorption of liquid or
water back into the body. The large intestine dehydrates the feces. The
colon is the sewer system of the body. The average colon carries
anywhere from 5 to 25 meals worth of waste by-products in it. The
average meal is about 1 pound.
How
often should we eliminate? HOW MUCH ARE YOU EATING?
The colon will accommodate- depending on your frame and size and the
distention and age of the organ- anywhere from 6 to 12 meals. When you
think about displacement… what should happen when you eat? Eat 3
meals- eliminate 3 meals (displacement). When the colon is full and you
ingest a meal- a meal should come out. The colon was a garbage can and
we’re now trying to make it become a trash compactor!
Studies
indicate within 2 hours after you eat you should eliminate. The norm in
this country is once a day. Note- I didn’t say “that’s normal nor did I
say that’s healthy.”
In this
country we are told colon cancer and lung cancers are the #1 killers.
Health is
proper detoxification and elimination. Health is eliminating to the
maximum. That feeling we identify as “yucky” is due to recycling toxins
from the colon back into the body. The liquids that the colon absorbs
are recycled back to two parts of our body- 1) the blood system through
the liver and eventually to the heart and 2) the lymphatic system. As a
consequence of recycling the toxins the organs get tired and become less
efficient. Poor elimination can be affecting your thinking.
Colon
Therapeutics recommends a 10-week detoxification series. It has been
observed that on the average a person between the ages of 20 and 40
years generally has the capability of cleaning the large intestine from
the anus to the cecum. During the 10-weeks our objective is to remove
all dehydrated, compressed and compacted or impacted matter that may
have attached itself to the walls of the colon that is hampering the
peristaltic action for proper elimination.
FAQ
CAN COLONIC HYGIENE CURE BOWEL DISEASE?
Curing
bowel disease or other illnesses is up to you and any medical
professional you choose. We do not treat any diseases or illnesses.
Yet, doesn't it seem that removing irritating toxins and chemicals
accumulated in the colon would be helpful? Colonic Hygiene is
complementary to any recommendations or programs ol your health care
professional. We can establish protocol with
them.
IS IT A MEDICAL PROCEDURE?
No more medical than washing your hands. It's a cleansing process.
IS IT EMBARRASSING?
The procedure is done with modesty for both client and Technician. The
finest professional equipment is used, facilitating total sanitation
and efficiency. All you feel is gentle and thorough cleansing in a
relaxed, comfortable environment.
HOW LONG
DOES IT TAKE?
40-60 minutes… on an average 45 minutes.
IS THERE
PREPARATION BEFORE?
We recommend that you do not eat 2 hours before the colonic. Drinking
plenty of purified water right up until the colonic usually increases
the chances for a successful colonic.
HOW DO
YOU FEEL AFTER THE COLONIC?
The body
may feel weary or relaxed, this is simply your body working-out and
processing through its cleansing process; so proper rest is important
for your body to recuperate and rejuvenate. The day after a colonic
many people report feeling great and having lots of energy.
IF YOU
ELIMINATE ON A REGULAR BASIS DO YOU NEED COLONICS?
What’s regular for you? 2 or 3 times per day? Just because you’re
eliminating regularly doesn’t mean that there isn’t a potential
problem. Colon therapy is also helpful in reducing the congestion of
the liver and lymphatic system.
ISN'T IT
LIKE AN ENEMA AND CAN YOU BECOME DEPENDENT ON THIS?
Actually no. We’re not going to let you rely on us because we’re going
to give you information about your diet that will, from a nutritional
standpoint, contribute toward serving as an intestinal broom, as it
were.
WHAT
SYMPTOMS INDICATE THAT COLONICS MAY BE HELPFUL?
• Allergies
• Gas/Bloating
• Constipation
• Hemorrhoids
• Indigestion
• Backache
• Colds/Flu
• Sore Throat
• Sinus
and/or Lung Congestion
• Swollen
Lymph Nodes
• Coated Tongue
• Bad Breath
• Skin Problems
• Cold Hands
and/or Feet
• Swelling of
Legs
• Overweight/Underweight
• Extended Abdomen
• Improper
Posture
• Poor Appetite
• Fatigue
• Headaches
•
Depression/Irritability
• Lack of
Sexual Response
• Loss of
Memory /Concentration
• Anxiety, Worry, Tension
• Female/Menstrual Problems
Colonics
actually strengthen, tone, and exercise the colon no matter whether you
have constipation or diarrhea or you’re eliminating 2 or 3 times per
day. When you instill water into the lower bowel and create a HEAD or a
pressure that is pushing down on the anal sphincter muscle the colon’s
natural neuro-response is to push it out based on the weight. The
average person can hold an amount of water that fills the descending
colon by about 1/3 to ½. That water will create a pressure on the anal
sphincter that will simulate the weight of feces and say “its time to
let go”. By instilling water into the lower bowel you are initiating
peristalsis. The colon is an organ/muscle so by initiating peristalsis-
like any muscle, it strengthens itself.
The
Gastroenterology Devise we use at Colorado Colonics has been developed
with efficiency, integrity, and quality of products as its goal. The
Jimmy John III is a lower bowel evacuation system which is registered
for market as a medical device. Our foremost concern is the client’s
safety, comfort, modesty and cleanliness. We feel the best clients are
the informed clients.
God
helped us create the body we have- it’s your responsibility to keep it
working. Many people go to their physician and say “fix me.” That’s
inappropriate! Even though great strides have been made in the medical
and chiropractic science- it’s not the physicians obligation to fix, but
to help restore and guide us back to health and wellness.
We have
left no stone unturned to make available to the community the latest and
most up-to-date piece of equipment on the market. It is our belief that
lower bowel evacuation is a primary alternative to returning the colon
back to a state of healthy wellness. Your digestive tract is your
body’s plumbing system…the anus is the clean-out. Why try to clean out
the colon by putting cleansers in by mouth-32 feet away from your clean
out!! Colonic irrigation is a much more elegant way of cleaning your
plumbing.
An
especially popular feature of our device is the rectal nozzle- it
measures only 5/16” in diameter, is individually packaged, and
completely sterile. That’s a major factor in your awareness of some of
the communicable diseases around today. Another feature on the device
is a state-of-the-art filtering system for the water. Both hot
and cold water is filtered as it enters the device. As that filtered
water enters the rectal nozzle it is sterilized by ultraviolet. The
water entering the body is as pure as possible. Acidophilus is a
vitally important nutrient in creating and maintaining a “friendly
environment” in the colon. Our device is capable of implanting
acidophilus. This service lays a layer of the acidophilus over the
freshly washed colon wall slowing down the growth of “unfriendly”
bacteria.
Why Colon
Irrigation
Diseases and functional disturbances
of the digestive organs are the most frequently complained about
problems today. The health of most organs as well as our overall well
being depends upon how well our bowel (intestine) functions. A change in
diet after many years of wrong eating habits does not assure optimal
colon health. Consider these current medical facts:
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Over 400 million
dollars are spent annually on laxatives in the U.S.
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Over 70 million
Americans suffer from bowel problems.
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100,000 people
undergo colostomies each year in the U.S.
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Worms outrank cancer
as mans deadliest enemy in a worldwide basis!
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Colon cancer is the
second leading cancer killer in the U.S.
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Over 100,000
Americans die annually due to this disease
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Common Concerns
About Colon Irrigation
These facts demonstrate that the
medical profession recognizes the important part, which the colon
plays in health and disease. In all sickness, the status of the
bowel is inquired into as a matter of routine and a laxative or
enema prescribed when indicated.
Research has shown that regular use of refined carbohydrates and lack of
fiber in the diet increases the transit time of bowel wastes and
stimulates putrefaction in the colon. Both of these factors have been
linked to constipation and certain bowels diseases such as
divirticulitis, colitis, and colon cancer, which have a high success
rate for cure with surgical management when detected early. The American
Cancer Society has provided evidence in recent years which suggests that
bowel cancer is caused by environmental agents such as; pesticides and
herbicides sprayed on crops, hormones and antibiotics fed to animals and
carcinogenic agents in the air we breathe. Periodic cleansing could
minimize exposure of these potential carcinogens to the colon wall
Laxatives vs. Colon Irrigation
Laxatives
act as chemical irritants and stimulate the muscular walls of the colon
to abnormally contract to expel the irritating substances. It is very
easy to become dependent upon these drugs and permanently destroy the
normal ability of the colon to eliminate naturally of its own accord.
The oral
route of administration is the least optimal method of evacuation of the
large intestine. Very important digestive processes occurring higher up
in the alimentary tract ( stomach and small intestine) are interfered
with. Most laxatives and other cathartics precipitate dehydration in the
client. Colon irrigation alternately fills and empties the colon and
would improve the hydration status of the client.
What about Possible Electrolyte Depletion in the Colon?
Electrolytes or minerals are elements that are responsible for cell
function throughout the body. When the body is properly nourished with
good quality organic foods containing sodium, potassium, and magnesium,
the electrolyte level of the colon is replenished as part of the diet.
There is
no way I would know if a person is electrolyte deficient, so as a safe
guard, I provide my clients with an Emer`gen –C drink after they have a
colonic to supplement these minerals. MT. CAPRA Mineral Whey is an
excellent product that I sell which has an array of minerals and
electrolytes.
Will the Intestinal Flora be disturbed by Colon Irrigation?
The
intestinal flora are billions of microscopic organisms including
bacteria, yeast, fungi, and viruses which inhabit the bowel and play a
very important role in health and disease. Bacteria synthesize valuable
nutrients and proper balance of these microorganisms is essential to a
healthy colon.
The large
intestine (colon) is producing bacteria on a daily basis and adherence
to proper nutrition will enhance the colon's ability to maintain balance
following colon irrigation. The physician may elect to prescribe lacto
Bifidus/bacillus culture to facilitate this process and incorporate low
fat, cultured, dairy products (yogurt, etc.) into the client/ patient's
dietary program. Because of the wide use and abuse of antibiotics,
poor diet, and many other reasons, most people have an imbalance of good
and bad bacteria. During a colonic you will clean out bad bacteria,
but unfortunately you will also lose some good bacteria. When doing
colonics it is always wise to replace the intestinal flora with a
quality probiotic. Two probiotics that I like and sell are Metagenics
Ultra Flora Plus DF Capsules and Garden of Life, Primal Defense.
What about Possible Contamination?
Following
a colon irrigation treatment, the device is thoroughly cleansed and
disinfected. A potent germicidal solution is used to properly disinfect
the device and its contents are not harmful to the colon environment.
When the disinfecting is completed, the device is generously cleansed
with water clearing the germicidal solution from the device.
The colon
irrigation device has several check valves in it to prevent the waste
water from returning to the water supply.
In
addition, a single use disposable prepackaged rectal nozzle which is
disposed of following each session, ensures against any possible
contamination to the client
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*Some
information being used in the About Colonics section of this
website, is from Colon Therapeautics Research Institute, and is used in
their school for certification in Colon Hydrotherapy.
**Personal
Disclaimer. Teri Hart is not a Medical Doctor and is not
attempting to portray, or conduct the activities of a Medical Doctor. Teri
does not diagnose or attempt to cure or treat any condition and does not
imply and makes no claims to cure or treat any condition. Teri does not
claim that any supplemental material she may speak about will cure any
condition, or that it's purpose is to treat any condition. Teri does
not prescribe or treat disease, however, she does attempt to educate you
about foods, diet, and exercise as long as it is not contrary to the
recommendations of your primary healthcare provider or physician |